4th of July beer, pt. II

July 2, 5:59 PMSF Craft Beer ExaminerBrian Yaeger

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Anchor Liberty Ale. Revere it.

America didn’t invent beer, but it sure is augmenting it. When the word “American” appears in the style, you know the beer will be big, bold, brash, brawny, and brazen; that’s the American way.

This Saturday as we celebrate Independence Day, bring the perfect accoutrement to your BBQ. Today is the second in a three-day/part series to find the perfect beers to pair with grilled burgers, dogs, steaks, chops, or—for the Vegetarian-Americans out there—grilled vegetables.

Today’s style: American Pale Ale.

Pale Ales are beefed-up versions of British-style ESBs. And really, isn’t the Fourth about celebrating liberating ourselves from the British monarchy’s shackles? We forego crumpets with clotted cream in favor of buttermilk biscuits and gravy, so how ‘bout favoring wild over mild with our beers, too.

1. Anchor Liberty Ale. Originally brewed in honor of the bicentennial of Paul Revere’s ride, this is, without question, the first craft-brewed, butt-kicking, dry-hopped ale in America. What is in question is whether it’s a Pale Ale or an India Pale Ale, but considering its understated hoppiness in comparison to American IPAs, it gets filed under APA. It’s delicious, refreshing, and it’s got Liberty right in the title. It’s 34 years of fireworks in a bottle.

2. Stoudt’s American Pale Ale. It’s actually illegal to depict the American flag on a label of beer. This patriotic brewski is the closest beer where the label is (an artistic interpretation of) Old Glory. Truly, this beer is gorgeous both in and outside the bottle. Stoudt’s flagship (pun intended?) beer has, on quizzical occasions, found its way from Adamstown, PA to California Whole Foods and errant liquor stores.

3. Rogue American Amber Ale. OK, this is an Amber, not a Pale Ale, but that label that just makes you want to sing “America the Beautiful.” For amber waves of grain, indeed! Though the color is darker and flavor is maltier than an APA, at 53 bittering units, this little number holds its own on any picnic table.

Come back tomorrow for more 4^th of July recommendations.